Mood & Food

Aug 3, 2018

Can food affect your mood? The jury is still out regarding if food can be used to help treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. But there is growing research suggesting diet can bring about chemical and physiological changes in our brain structure, which can play a role in altered behavior. So why not try to incorporate some healthy habits?

Select selenium-rich foods. There is some research that selenium supplementation may help depression, dosage not clear. But until further research exists, it can’t hurt to make sure your diet includes foods that are rich in selenium, such as seafood (oysters, clams, sardines, crab, saltwater fish and freshwater fish), nuts and seeds (particularly Brazil nuts), lean meat (lean pork and beef, skinless chicken and turkey), whole grains (whole-grain pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, etc.), beans/legumes, and low-fat dairy products

Don’t overdo the caffeine. Stimulants, such as caffeine, can enhance anxiety and depression symptoms.

Don’t overdo the alcohol. Depressants, such as alcohol, can enhance symptoms of depression.